Bottleneck

"An explosive tale of the tricky journey to manhood - [Luke Barnes] emerges from this year's Fringe as a red-hot writing talent to watch.' Independent 'An impressive emerging talent - in its strongest moments, it completely engrosses. Its climax is an eye-watering account of the terrifying events of that day from the point of view of a boy whose life is irrevocably changed thereafter. This is poignant, unflinching stuff.' Daily Telegraph 'This coming-of-age tale, set in Liverpool 1989, is full of verve and fizz - It's a simple and moving story, but Barnes crams it with detail about working-class scouse life' - Guardian 'The mood darkens convincingly throughout Luke Barnes's piece as a world of innocence is shattered irrevocably' Evening Standard 'An all-too-familiar scar becomes lived experience - it pops with vivid, expressionist details' Financial Times 'Devastating and complex. The writing is nuanced and intelligent - urgent, fresh, full of rage - razor-sharp writing - [a] furious snarl of a play' Exuent"